JioCinema-BGMI pact excites gamers; seen as transformative period in esports history

Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) has joined forces with JioCinema. This strategic collaboration is set to propel BGMI into every corner of India, contributing significantly to the growth and recognition of esports within the nation.

BGMI has emerged as a gaming phenomenon in India, captivating the hearts and minds of millions. Recognising the growing appetite for competitive gaming, Krafton’s partnership with JioCinema is a significant step toward broadening the game’s reach and fostering a vibrant gaming culture.

With the announcement that JioCinema will be live streaming the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2023, the stage is set for a momentous shift. This collaboration doesn’t merely elevate BGMI’s visibility; it also establishes a bridge between esports and mainstream media. This move is a significant leap toward making esports a household name, accessible to everyone, regardless of internet connectivity.

For gamer Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOp, this recognition is an emblem of collective achievement. He emphasised, “It is truly a remarkable feeling for me. This achievement isn’t just mine; it’s a significant milestone for the entire Esports community in India. The recognition validates the countless hours of relentless practice and unwavering dedication we’ve poured into honing our skills, much like any other athlete. We look forward to participating in more tournaments like this, which every Indian across the country will be able to watch and enjoy.”

Expressing similar sentiments, Harsh ‘AquaNoX’ Rao, BGMI Athlete - Gods Reign, said, “It’s a surreal feeling to have my gaming skills showcased on a mainstream sports channel like Star Sports. This recognition validates esports as a legitimate form of competition and opens doors for the entire community. I’m excited to see how this exposure will elevate the perception of esports in the country.”

JioCinema’s partnership with the BGIS tournament is a significant stride toward democratising esports. Tanmay Singh noted, “It will make Esports tournaments more accessible to a diverse range of viewers across the country. This will ensure that people from all walks of life, even those who don’t know Esports, can tune in and enjoy the excitement of competitive gaming. It is undoubtedly a game-changer that will contribute to the growth and acceptance of Esports within the country.”

Harsh Rao added here, “I’m thrilled about JioCinema becoming the streaming partner for BGIS. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance the accessibility of esports tournaments, allowing a wider audience to experience the excitement and skill of competitive gaming. With JioCinema’s extensive streaming platform, more fans and viewers will have the opportunity to engage with esports, fostering its growth and creating a vibrant community. I can’t wait to showcase my skills and entertain a larger audience through this incredible partnership!”

The paradigm shift from online streaming to traditional sports networks is more than a change in broadcasting – it’s a transformative change in perception. This transition bolsters the pride of esports athletes like never before.

On how this development impacts him as a gamer, Tanmay Singh said, “The shift of Esports to mainstream platforms has given me a renewed sense of pride in what I do. As an Esports athlete, I feel more validated and motivated to grind than ever before. The recognition on different platforms like TV and major streaming services makes me realise that we’re part of a rapidly evolving industry that is capturing the hearts of people across the nation. There has never been a better time to be a BGMI athlete, and I am genuinely thrilled to contribute to the ongoing Esports revolution in India.”

Adding to this, Harsh Rao said, “The shift towards mainstream platforms like television and major streaming services has had a profound impact on my journey as a BGMI athlete. It’s incredible to see esports gaining recognition and being embraced by a wider audience. This shift has not only elevated the visibility and reach of my profession, but has also solidified my belief in the legitimacy and potential of esports as a career. It motivates me to continue honing my skills and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in competitive gaming. I’m grateful for the opportunities this shift has brought and am excited about what the future holds for esports.”

The partnership between JioCinema and BGIS, as stated by KR Rohith, CEO, Gods Reign, carries monumental significance. Rohith believes that this collaboration will ignite an era where esports penetrates the masses, transforming the gaming experience into a shared spectacle stated. “With JioCinema partnering with Krafton’s BGIS tournament, this collaboration presents a remarkable opportunity to propel the visibility of esports among the Indian audience. I believe that JioCinema’s expansive reach and influence will serve as a powerful catalyst in bringing the exhilaration and competitiveness of gaming to a broader demographic. This collaboration not only underscores the rising prominence of esports, but also paves the way for future synergies between media platforms and gaming industry stakeholders,” he added.

Moreover, this move from online platforms to established sports networks signifies a transformative period in esports history. KR Rohith further noted, “The transition from online streaming platforms to traditional sports networks like Star Sports and JioCinema marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of esports. This shift signifies the recognition of esports as a formidable force in the entertainment industry. By embracing established sports platforms, esports is poised to reshape public perception and gain unprecedented credibility, positioning itself alongside traditional sports in terms of legitimacy, audience reach, and cultural impact. This transformative shift will not only captivate a broader audience, but also redefine the narrative around esports, solidifying its place as a mainstream phenomenon in India.”